Rotonde de Cartier tourbillon chronographe monopoussoir

Shapes and movements by Cartier, a creator of fine watchmaking marvels

2009 represents a real quantum leap for Cartier. For the very first time, Cartier is developing its own watch movements that reflect the brand’s intense and ambitious research into mechanisms. This remarkable foray into the world of calibres is the signature of a new approach to fine watchmaking by Cartier, which was inaugurated last year with the Ballon bleu de Cartier Flying Tourbillon timepiece. Cartier has developed an array of shapes to convey this dynamic impetus, expressed in both the cases of their watches and the movements themselves. Featuring striking silhouettes, inventive graphic designs, spectacular volumes and Cartier-made movements, some bearing the prestigious Geneva Seal, this collection of ten timepieces elevates great Cartier classics – from the Tank Américaine to the Santos 100 – to the rank of authentic examples of fine watchmaking.

Rotonde de Cartier single push-piece tourbillon chronograph, 9431 MC calibre: a combination of exclusive complications

For the first time in the history of watchmaking, the calibre 9431 MC movement has combined two of the most outstanding complications: the single push-piece chronograph and the tourbillon. This movement was developed exclusively for Cartier in 2005 by one of the most celebrated names in Swiss fine watchmaking: Renaud & Papi. The transparent sapphire crystal case-back enables the calibre to be observed along with its major components, such as the tourbillon or the operating lever, which is linked directly to the to both the winding mechanism and the column wheel and controls the functions: start, stop and reset. It also enables both sides of the tourbillon to be observed. This movement also benefits from the exceptional finishes that are characteristic of the movements in the Cartier Fine Watchmaking Collection.

A precious case

The graphical, platinum case of the Rotonde de Cartier single push-piece chronograph displays modern minimalist elegance. The aesthetics of this case are inspired by the contrasting design of a two-level dial, the first guilloché, the second skeletonised. Characteristic Cartier style, echoed by the C-shaped bridge.